It took all-night, nonstop negotiation but the Broncos and their No. 1 draft pick Ryan Clady reached an agreement on a five-year contract.
An agreement in principal was reached at 4:30 a.m. and the deal was formally approved at 6:20 a.m.
“Both sides worked hard, all through the night to assure Ryan Clady would be on the field for the first day of training camp and we would have our full team intact,” said Brian Xanders, the Broncos’ co-general manager who negotiated the deal with agent Pat Dye. “There was a lot of compromise on both sides.”
The true guarantee (minus salaries) of the deal was $11 million. The max-out value of the contract — which Clady would hit if he plays in multiple Pro Bowls and meets all playing time incentives — is $17.5 million.
What will Clady buy first once he collects a portion of his NFL bonus?
“Probably some furniture,” Clady said. “Although, I still have to get a place worked out.”
The players reported for physicals at 6 a.m. with Broncos coach Mike Shanahan conducting the team’s season-opening meeting at 8 a.m. The first camp workout was to begin at 11:15 a.m.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
